Kruger Shalati: The Train on the Bridge has retained its two MICHELIN Keys, continuing to earn international recognition for a stay that combines South African hospitality with one of the Kruger National Park’s most unusual settings.
Arial: Kruger Shalati: The Train on the Bridge
The property, which sits on the historic Selati Bridge above the Sabie River, was among the South African establishments recognised when the MICHELIN Guide introduced its hotel distinctions to Africa in 2025. Its latest achievement confirms that the experience continues to meet the standard that earned it the recognition in the first place.
For Concession General Manager Gavin Ferreira, the award is particularly meaningful because it reflects what guests experience during an ordinary stay, rather than a specially arranged inspection.
When Kruger Shalati first received two MICHELIN Keys, the team had no warning that an inspector was visiting. The guest booked as anyone else would, met the staff, dined at the property and headed out into the surrounding Kruger National Park.
“The guest made a booking just like anyone else and experienced the high quality of service that every guest receives at Kruger Shalati,” says Ferreira.
Concession General Manager Gavin Ferreira
A train above the Sabie River
Kruger Shalati occupies a historic railway bridge where early visitors to the park once stayed in train carriages. Today, the property has reimagined that history as a luxury accommodation experience, with 24 Train Carriage Suites and seven Bridge House Suites.
The location is a significant part of its appeal. Guests stay high above the Sabie River, with a pool and deck positioned at the same level as the train. From here, the river below offers opportunities to spot wildlife, including hippos, crocodiles, buffaloes and elephants.
The setting is certainly distinctive, but Ferreira says the details of the experience matter just as much. The team aims to create what he calls a series of “small wows”, from the welcome at reception to the first view from a suite or the moment guests step onto the deck.
Retaining the two MICHELIN Keys has also meant continuing to refine the details behind the scenes. The team has worked on everything from housekeeping and room finishes to the food and wine offering. A dedicated sommelier has joined the hospitality team, while Ferreira and Executive Chef Vusi Mbatha travel twice a year to experience leading restaurants and bring fresh ideas back to the Lowveld.
Executive Chef Vusi Mbatha
Local hospitality at the heart of the experience
Many members of the Kruger Shalati team come from communities surrounding the park. For some, the property provided their first opportunity to work in hospitality.
Ferreira believes their warmth and willingness to help guests are central to the experience, supported by ongoing training and the technical skills needed to maintain consistent service.
Food is another important part of the offering. Under Mbatha, the menu increasingly draws on the region’s landscapes, culture and local identity, while incorporating ideas gathered from beyond the park.
That approach will be highlighted on 27 and 28 November 2026, when Mbatha joins acclaimed, classically French-trained chef Wandile Mabaso for the Motsamayi Chef Collaboration Series. The initiative brings visiting chefs into the kitchen to share techniques, exchange ideas and develop the skills of the wider team.
For Ferreira, the two MICHELIN Keys are an endorsement of the work already done, rather than a reason to stand still. The focus remains on improving the experience and finding the next detail that makes a stay memorable.
Kruger Shalati forms part of Motsamayi Tourism Group, an independent South African hospitality group that also operates Sanctuary Mandela in Johannesburg.
Kruger Shalati pool overlooking the Sabie River
Planning a stay
Kruger Shalati is located on the Selati Bridge in Kruger National Park. Guests can drive from Johannesburg or fly to Skukuza Airport with Airlink from OR Tambo International Airport or Cape Town International Airport. Transfers from Skukuza Airport to the property are arranged by Kruger Shalati.
For accommodation information and reservations, visit krugershalati.com.
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